Personal Tales

At one time or another, we all want to express our story by writing a memoir to read privately, share with family or friends, or publish it. It is an emotionally satisfying way to gain perspective on your experiences while sharing your unique voice. We’ve all experienced feelings and events in our lives that we are longing to write down. Just imagine your memories, captured on paper as descriptive scenes, sights, sounds, and scents, might at first seem disconnected or incomplete.

Everyone wants to be heard. Reading your story to others can meet that need. Writing your story can also help you understand your life experiences and see them from a different perspective. When you actually readwhat you have written you may be surprised at the accomplishment. You may surprise yourself with new insights, or you may find yourself exploring your roots, your identity, and your future through your words. Allow your writing to guide you and write as truthfully aspossible. Don’t worry about what others will think of your personal journey, your style of writing, or your words.

Research has shown that writing a personal narrative filled with feelings and perceptions can create long-term health benefits.

If you are reading this it is because you have a passion for Spinning, for fitness, and being healthy with the company of others around you. I would like to share a small portion of a rather large story written by a friend of mine who had a very small dream at 14 years old to ride his bicycle 60 to 70 miles a day all the way across the USA.

Andrew did just that this month, approximately 3,500 miles from the west coast to the east coast in just over three weeks - on his road bike. He didn’t do totally alone. As Andrew wrote in his final daily email, “The team aspect is an important part of the ride, and goes way beyond the four men who were on the road…my parents taught me to value fitness and the importance ofhelping others”, he adds to the team his teachers, swim coach, cycling coach, and cycling mentors, Jon Fielding and Jasen Gunderson who had taught him that the bike can be used for a lot more than just racing. Andrew used his value for fitness, and his bike to help others as he raised over $40,000 for colon cancer on this journey across country.

There have been many Spinathons, Charity Rides, Wounded Warrior Projects, etc. and I am sure you have been part these activities and of a team in some way shape or form. If so, write about it. Be proud of your accomplishments no matter what role you played in the success of these efforts.

Expressing your experiences to others can provide withperspective, determination and the value of believing in your passion and cause. Remember nothing worth doing is easily achieved. So what is your personal tale?